Putrajaya: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to deploy temporary ASEAN monitoring teams along their shared border to support the ceasefire reached on July 28. This decision was made during an extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee in Putrajaya, Malaysia, co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha and Thai Deputy Defense Minister General Natthaphon Nakphanit, with participation from Malaysia, the United States, and China.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the interim monitoring teams will be invited independently by the host country in consultation with Malaysia. The teams are set to operate without crossing the border, in close coordination with national and regional border committees. Each team will comprise ASEAN military attach©s and focus on key measures such as freezing military movements, repatriating fallen soldiers, curbing misinformation, and ensuring rapid communication to prevent any escalation.
The Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, stated that the deployment aims to bolster the ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian aid, and strengthen medical coordination in tense areas. He expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Malaysia to lead mediation efforts, especially through the Armed Forces Chief General Mohammad Nizam Jaafar.
During a press conference, General Natthaphon Nakphanit reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to dialogue, while Tea Seiha voiced hope for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held by Thailand. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan also reaffirmed US support for ASEAN's role and indicated that Washington would closely monitor the ceasefire. In a separate statement, Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Ismail emphasized that the ceasefire is a promise to protect lives and dignity, requiring firm commitment and active monitoring.
The ceasefire, brokered by Malaysia with US and Chinese backing, followed intense clashes near the disputed Preah Vihear temple area, which resulted in soldiers' deaths and the displacement of hundreds of civilians.